‘Shame on them’: residential school survivor on fake sites selling orange t-shirts

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – A residential school survivor is speaking out about websites that are trying to profit by selling orange t-shirts, that are not affiliated with Indigenous people.

With a spotlight once again being shone on the horrors of residential schools in Canada, there has been an outpouring of support around the country as people look to show solidarity with Indigenous people.

It follows the horrific discovery of unmarked graves at a former residential school site in B.C., a discovery that has sparked a wide range of emotions and renewed calls of reconciliation.

One specific symbol has gained popularity over the past few years, created by a residential school survivor and inspired by her experiences.

Phyllis Webstad started the Orange Shirt Society after telling a story about how her new orange shirt was ripped away from her after being taken to a residential school when she was only six years old. The shirts are a common sight now, often with the slogan ‘Every Child Matters’, and Orange Shirt Day is commemorated on Sept. 30 each year.

But while the news from B.C. has increased support, it has also led to some companies trying to profit off the tragedy and selling the orange shirts themselves.

“If you just do a Google search, you can find all kinds of places selling them and stealing designs. I say shame on them, to be trying to profit off of what’s going on with this genocide in Canada,” Webstad told 660 NEWS.

Webstad said she is considering trademarking the slogan in order to prevent the theft of designs, as it is particularly becoming a problem with American companies. She doesn’t have a problem with people also designing their own orange shirts and showing solidarity with the movement, but is hopeful some things are kept in mind.

“Anyone else that is selling shirts, we ask that the shirt be orange first of all and that the design not be stolen, that it be an original design that means something to you. And, we ask for partial proceeds.”

Webstad added she is the only person managing the Orange Shirt Society, and the best place for information and ways to buy official shirts is on her website.

Other merchandise and details can be found here as well.

She said it is disappointing to see this happen, but is also hopeful people will put their focus on supporting legitimate organizations like hers to maintain attention on the issue.

“There is a mass awakening happening across Canada right now,” Webstad said. “Every child matters was created for survivors, to honour survivors and their families, and to remember those that never made it home. So, it is very fitting to wear the shirt right now.”

Patrick Hunter also designed an orange shirt in collaboration with Rogers, the parent company of 660 NEWS. Hunter said the design has also been ripped off and sold online through other sites without permission.

“It’s validating in a way, but at the same time it’s detracting,” he said.

Hunter said there are some legal avenues being pursued to stop the unauthorized sale, but he is not directly involved as it is now being managed by Rogers. He thinks this could make people think twice before trying to make a profit off of this.

“You messed up, and I really hope this is a learning lesson to them. You can’t just take people’s stuff and think you’re going to get away with it.”

If donations increase, Webstad would be able to hire more staff and get a better handle on illegitimate sellers of the shirts.

But Hunter said this isn’t just about selling shirts, and the movement itself is also hugely important. He encourages anyone to show solidarity, even if they don’t have the means to buy one of the shirts online.

“You can honestly just wear an orange shirt, it doesn’t necessarily have to be from an Indigenous designer. It very well could be, and I think that would be a great way to show your support as an ally, but maybe you don’t have $30 and you just really want to support the cause,” he said.

Webstad added the last couple of weeks have definitely taken a toll on her, as it is becoming more stressful to manage the organization and cope with her own trauma around residential schools.

Her grandparents and parents went to residential schools before her, and then her son attended the last school to remain open in the country. After all of this time, she said it is still hard to hear the stories from other survivors as they also know there are many more unmarked graves at these former sites.

But if the attention does not fade away like it has in past years, there’s a chance this moment could spark healing that is now long past due.

“I don’t like being this way, but the only way out is through. We can’t forget it any longer and pretend it isn’t happening.”